One man has been arrested and charged for allegedly assaulting a flight attendant on a commercial aircraft flying from Toronto to Vancouver.

According to Peel Regional Police, the incident occurred on Friday shortly after WestJet Flight 709 departed from Toronto Pearson International Airport and a decision was made to turn back to the airport due to mechanical issues.

As the plane was returning to YYZ, a passenger became unruly and allegedly assaulted a flight attendant and caused minor damage to the plane’s bathroom.

When the aircraft landed, 68-year-old Vancouver resident Randy Paholko was arrested by police. He has since been charged for assault, endangering aircraft, and two counts of mischief.

He remains in police custody pending a bail hearing today at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

Passengers and cabin crew who witnessed the incident are asked to contact investigators at 905-453-2112 ext. 3133 or Crime Stoppers’ anonymous hotline at 1-800-222-8477.

Daily Hive Staff

Launched on June 1, 2016, Daily Hive is the evolution of Vancity Buzz and is now in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal.